As we continue our focus on the youth development of the Club, we look back at our achievements on the pitch, winning the National Youth League on two occasions.
Since joining the competition in 2011, the Club has won two NYL titles, only behind Sydney FC who have won three.
The Club’s first title came in 2014/15 – the first year as Melbourne City – and Joe Palatsides’ side took out the title on a dramatic final day of the regular season.
With three teams in the running to win the title on the final day, City’s 2-2 result with Newcastle had meant it would turn its attention to Perth for the contest between the Glory and Brisbane Roar who were the other teams in the title race.
The 1-2 win to Brisbane would mean City would take out the title – the Club’s first in all competitions – finishing on the same points and goal difference as the Roar but scoring two more goals, during an exciting year for City’s youth development program.
City second triumph would come two seasons later as a change to the competition format meant the teams were split into conferences with a one-off Grand Final to decide the ultimate winner.
Palatsides’ squad had Conference A wrapped up before the final match of the season, finishing ahead of second-placed Brisbane Roar by two points.
It was reigning champions Sydney FC who City would meet in the Grand Final, with the daunting task of facing one of the most talented youth sides in the league.
City were dominant in the opening half, taking the lead and making a claim to have more before the break despite their hold on the contest.
Sydney FC would then mount a second half comeback that saw them take they lead against the run of play, looking to take out one of the unlikeliest of wins.
Goals to Daniel Arzani and Braedyn Crowley from the spot secured a dramatic win at Central Coast Stadium, wrapping up the Club’s second title in three years.
Along with Under 20’s successes at National Premier Leagues level and the performance of the Club’s NPL Senior side, Melbourne City’s youth development successes are an important step in creating future A-League players.
